Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons rice bran oil
  • 1 small or medium onion, sliced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and cut in 2-inch-long julienne
  • 4 ounces tofu, patted dry and cut in 1/2-inch dice
  • 6 white or cremini mushrooms, cut in thick slices
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 serrano chilies, minced
  • 1 generous bunch spinach (3/4 to 1 pound), ends trimmed, rinsed thoroughly in 2 changes of water
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs, beaten and seasoned with salt and pepper
  • 5 cups cooked red rice
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce (more to taste, optional)
  • 1 bunch scallions, both white and green parts, chopped (optional)
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Thinly sliced cucumber
  • Lime wedges
  • Scallions
  • Fish sauce with hot chilies (nam pla prik)

Method

  • Heat a 14-inch wok or large, heavy skillet over high heat until a drop of water evaporates upon contact.
  • Swirl in the oil and add the onion, carrot, tofu and mushrooms.
  • Stir-fry until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the tofu is lightly colored, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and chili, stir-fry for no more than 10 seconds, and add the spinach.
  • Stir-fry until the spinach wilts, season to taste with salt and pepper, and pour in the beaten egg.
  • Stir-fry until the egg is scrambled, and add the rice.
  • Cook, scooping up the rice with your paddle, then pressing it into the pan and scooping it up again, for about 2 minutes, until the mixture has a nice seared aroma.
  • Add the fish sauce or soy sauce and chopped scallions, stir together for about half a minute, and serve, passing the optional garnishes.